Carnival Changes Another Itinerary as Rina Weakens to Tropical Storm

Rina weakened to a tropical storm Thursday but was still expected to drop three to six inches of rain on the eastern Yucatan Peninsula and Cozumel through Friday, with rainfall up to 10 inches in some areas. The National Hurricane Center said the storm was about 90 miles south of Cozumel with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph.

Carnival Cruise Line changed the itinerary for the Carnival Destiny’s cruise that departs Thursday from Miami, replacing Saturday’s call at Cozumel with one at Nassau.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the east and north coasts of the Yucatan Peninsula from Chetumal to Progreso and tropical storm conditions are expected to spread northward along the coast in the warning area through the remainder of Thursday.

In Playa del Carmen, Reuters reported "strong rain had eased by morning although the sea was choppy and the dock for ships to the island of Cozumel was closed.” The news service additionally reported that approximately 13,000 visitors have left Cancun since Tuesday and more than 90 flights in and out of Cancun were cancelled for Thursday, although the airport remained open.